Department of Anatomy, University of Otago
Professor Oorschot’s lab investigates the structure and function of the normal or hypoxic basal ganglia. In the normal basal ganglia, neural circuits are being researched to test hypotheses on the cellular basis of movement and learning. For the hypoxic basal ganglia, treatments are being researched to determine whether striatal neurons can be rescued after hypoxic-ischemic injury. This research is relevant to cerebral palsy. The biological basis of ADHD-like hyperactivity after exposure to hypoxia during extreme prematurity is also being investigated. This research may lead to new treatments. Hypotheses relevant to Huntington’s Disease and schizophrenia are also being researched. Stereological and behavioural methods underpin this research. Stereological methods are also applied in other regions of the body, including the ovary and hip capsule, in collaborative projects within the Department of Anatomy at the University of Otago.
